  Though not technically lost, our fellow member Susan Starrett had long known about her veteran great uncle (her father's uncle) having served, died and being buried somewhere in France during World War I. But given that his passing was in 1918, the 105+ years since then had blurred the knowledge of where he was actually interned and other specifics. Susan had a few mementos including an old, faded 2x3 black and white photo of his gravestone, a bracelet, and a note written by her mother that mentioned "Bony, France", Susan safely kept the few mementos in a small box, which for the most part, was all she knew of her great uncle who had served in World War I, aside from the fact he had died and was buried somewhere in France. No date, no location, just a small, faded picture of a cross-shaped headstone. This is often the case for many of us who have heard of a relative who served in long ago wars. With a hand-written note on the back of the picture that read "Bony", online research helped to rediscover Susan's great uncle "Harry" and amazingly, more details regarding his date of death, his military rank and unit assignment, specific cemetery in France along with the exact plot location was discovered for her. Captain Harry C. Starrett, who originally entered military service from Brooklyn, New York, is located in Somme American Cemetery, Plot B Row 6 Grave 6, approx. 36 miles northeast of Paris, France. More amazingly, a certificate of honor for his service in France was found via the Somme online site. Below is an image of Captain Harry C. Starrett and his certificate:  And an even more incredible discovery was the fact that Captain Starrett served, and survived, the hardships of the war in France but succumbed to the Spanish Flu only 2 days after the official end of the war. He was awarded the Victory Medal for his service, as shown here:  The World War I Somme American Cemetery and Memorial in France is sited on a gentle slope typical of the open, rolling Picardie countryside. The 14.3-acre cemetery contains the graves of 1,844 of our military dead. Most lost their lives while serving in American units attached to British armies, or in operations near Cantigny. The headstones, set in regular rows, are separated into four plots by paths that intersect at the flagpole near the top of the slope. The longer axis leads to the chapel at the eastern end of the cemetery. Below is a You Tube video that highlights Somme American Cemetery where Captain Starrett is resting in peace alongside his fellow "Doughboys" that served in "The Great War" (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918)
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 The phrase “military brat” is one long associated with the family members of those in uniform. It can be used in a derogatory sense, but in recent decades the phrase has been used more to self-identify as being part of a military family.
The connotations of being a military brat include the expectation that military families move often, may have difficulty setting down roots in any one area because of duty requirements, and the potential for extended stays overseas for the same reason. Military brats experience frequent school changes, make friends and acquaintances all over the world, and experience regular major life changes due to the shifting nature of military life. According to a variety of sources, Military Brats, Inc. founded National Military Brats Day in 2016 and is part of a move to convince lawmakers to make the holiday a federally recognized one. Origins of "Military Brat" The origins of the term at least in part due to a British military acronym that stood for “British Regiment Attached Traveler” (BRAT). This designation was given to families who were approved to accompany the servicemember to an overseas duty location. The story goes that eventually “BRAT” became synonymous with military children. BRATs as they were known in British military culture were addressed in British Educational Research Journal, but another reference in British pop culture from the 1700s, a play called The Recruiting Officer could also lend a clue. It has lyrics that reference military and/or civilian “brats and wives.”  The phrase “military brat” is one long associated with the family members of those in uniform. It can be used in a derogatory sense, but in recent decades the phrase has been used more to self-identify as being part of a military family.
The connotations of being a military brat include the expectation that military families move often, may have difficulty setting down roots in any one area because of duty requirements, and the potential for extended stays overseas for the same reason. Military brats experience frequent school changes, make friends and acquaintances all over the world, and experience regular major life changes due to the shifting nature of military life. According to a variety of sources, Military Brats, Inc. founded National Military Brats Day in 2016 and is part of a move to convince lawmakers to make the holiday a federally recognized one. Origins of "Military Brat" The origins of the term at least in part due to a British military acronym that stood for “British Regiment Attached Traveler” (BRAT). This designation was given to families who were approved to accompany the servicemember to an overseas duty location. The story goes that eventually “BRAT” became synonymous with military children. BRATs as they were known in British military culture were addressed in British Educational Research Journal, but another reference in British pop culture from the 1700s, a play called The Recruiting Officer could also lend a clue. It has lyrics that reference military and/or civilian “brats and wives.”  Advance care planning involves discussing and preparing for future decisions about your medical care if you become seriously ill or unable to communicate your wishes. Having meaningful conversations with your loved ones is the most important part of advance care planning. The VA has an informative webpage that details advanced planning issues that our members may find useful to read more about. To access the VA website, click on this website link: About Advance Care Planning | Veterans Affairs Many people also choose to put their preferences in writing by completing legal documents called advance directives. National Institute on Aging explains more about advanced planning and directives, worth your time and review to best understand you or your loved one's options.
 Eligibility If any of our members are thinking about being interned at a national cemetery, such as the national cemetery in Bushnell, FL, it is a great option. The national cemeteries are managed by the National Cemetery Administration, a component of the VA.. All national cemeteries are beautiful, have continuous perpetual care, and are offered free of cost for qualified veterans and their spouses and adult dependent children (click on button below to learn more about eligibility). Pre-Need The qualification and approval process could take 3-4 weeks, if not longer. Therefore, it is advisable to plan early and pre-qualify -- the VA call this "pre-need" -- even if it will be years before the need arises. (click on the button below to learn about how to apply early with the state cemetery of your choice). Don't wait, start the planning process as soon as possible. In doing so, the burden of your loved ones will be significantly lessened. |